Motivating, creative, passionate, energetic, inspiring… these are just a few thoughts that come to mind at the mention of Sam Villa’s name. Known as the Hairdressers hairdresser, Sam has been chosen as the industry’s Favorite Platform Artist and Educator at the prestigious Stylist Choice Awards in 2007, 2011 and again in 2012. Sam possesses a unique blend of technical and artistic skills — and a contagious spirit that draws people in and makes them want to learn!

Sam has more than 30 years teaching experience and is currently at the top of his game as Redken’s Education Artistic Director and Chairman of his own digital education and styling tools company. Part of the Redken family for the past 16 years, Sam is in constant demand at international and domestic trade shows and in-salon programs where his progressive teaching approach enables stylists to absorb new techniques quickly and for practical use in the salon. Sam is a lead Facilitator at the Redken Exchange in New York City where he teaches a variety of design and trend sessions to salon professionals from around the world. Sam is also part of the team that trains the entire Redken artist network worldwide.

Sam Villa now has a complete line of digital education and premium styling tools under his own name – designed and produced with career enhancing and ergonomic benefits for the stylist in mind. Digital media products include the critically acclaimed Aspire Tour DVD Series filmed in salons throughout the country. The Sam Villa® line of styling tools includes his Signature Series shears, brushes and combs, the heat-styling Sleekr® and Textur®tools, the E-T.C. Light Ionic Blow Dryer, and other accessories for the salon professional. The Sam Villa® DVDs are a Redken Artist Resource and can be viewed at samvilla.com. The Sam Villa brand of styling tools are available through Redken distributors and Salon Centric stores nationwide.

Sam graduated from Ponce Beauty School in San Mateo, California. Growing up in his Dad’s barbershop, Sam never considered the hair industry as a career choice until he saw his first hair show — and changed his mind. Sam went on to open Avant Hair Studio, an award-winning salon in the San Francisco Bay area, which he called home for 20 years.

Sam’s accolades include: Behindthechair.com Favorite Platform Artist and Educator 2007, 2011, 2012; and Favorite top-five finalist from 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010; Redken Platform Artist of the Year 1998; “Master of the Craft” Award from the Art & Fashion Group 1992; and finalist in the North American Hairdressing Awards — Classic Category 1991.